Shipper and display tray

ABSTRACT

A shipping and display assembly includes a display tray and a box. The display tray includes a first pair of opposed side panels, each panel of which includes outer substantially vertical panels, a first substantially horizontal panel, joining the outer vertical panels, and having an exterior surface, holding slots for holding displayed items, and securing slots. The box includes securing tabs that mate with the securing slots. The exterior surface of the first substantially horizontal panel is an enclosing surface of the shipping and display assembly when the tabs and the securing slots are mated.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to display cases and shipping boxes. More particularly, the present invention relates to display cases that contain items to be displayed, and also serve to secure the items during transport of the items in a shipping box from one point to another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] When items are sold in stores, a great amount of attention is directed toward providing a neat and enticing display of the items so that consumers are attracted to the items being displayed. A wide variety of display racks and cases have been created to accomplish the objects of providing a neat and enticing display. Often times the display cases must be shipped unassembled, and/or separate from the items to be displayed in the display cases. The display cases are at times assembled at the point of sale, while other times the display cases are sent from the manufacturer preassembled. In either case, the items to be displayed must be placed in the display case or otherwise attached to the display case or rack at the point of sale. If the items are to be moved to another part of the store where they are sold, the items must often be separated from the display case or rack, and then replaced or reconnected at the new location.

[0003] From the above discussion it is clear that there is a need in the art for a display case that securely hold items to be displayed in the case so that the items can be shipped to, and then moved from point to point at, the point of sale without having to be separated from the display case. There is also a need in the art for a display case that can be quickly assembled, broken down, and reassembled using minimal parts. There is yet another need in the art for a display case that can interact with other display cases and the items to be displayed to provide a neat and enticing display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to meet the above-described needs and others. Specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shipping and display assembly, which comprises a display tray and a box. The display tray includes a first pair of opposed side panels, each panel of which includes outer substantially vertical panels, a first substantially horizontal panel, joining the outer vertical panels, and having an exterior surface, holding slots for holding displayed items, and securing slots. The box includes securing tabs that mate with the securing slots. The exterior surface of the first substantially horizontal panel is an enclosing surface of the shipping and display assembly when the tabs and the securing slots are mated.

[0005] The holding slots include a linear edge and an adjacent curvilinear edge, which together form a wedge for securing the displayed items. The wedge formed by the meeting of the linear edge and the curvilinear edge is formed in a second substantially horizontal panel, which is disposed atop the outer vertical panels.

[0006] The display tray preferably further includes a second pair of opposed panels, each of which includes an outer substantially vertical panel, and joint panels that connect the substantially vertical panel of each of the second pair of opposed panels with the outer substantially vertical panel of the first pair of opposed panels. The joint panels are folded against said second pair of opposed panels. Each panel of the second pair of opposed panels further includes an inner substantially vertical panel that is connected to the outer substantially vertical panel, and folded over the joint panels. The joint panels have an arcuate outer edge that prevents contact between the joint panels and a folding point between the inner and outer substantially vertical panels of the second pair of opposed panels.

[0007] Each panel of the first pair of opposed panels may further include a third substantially horizontal panel, that is connected to a lower portion of an inner panel, and that includes lateral protrusions. Each of the second substantially vertical panels of the inner substantially vertical panel of each of the second pair of opposed panels includes cuts at lower lateral portions thereof, the cuts having dimensions of the lateral protrusions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present invention.

[0009]FIG. 1 shows a display tray blank according to the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 2a shows a display tray made from the display tray blank of FIG. 1.

[0011]FIG. 2b shows the display tray blank of FIG. 2a, holding display items.

[0012]FIG. 3a shows a display assembly, with the display tray as a component of a shipping box, and with the box top unattached to the display tray.

[0013]FIG. 3b shows a display assembly in an upside-down configuration, with the display tray as a component of a shipping box, and with the box top attached to the display tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Using the drawings, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained.

[0015]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the display tray blank 100 of the present invention. The blank 100 may be formed from a variety of pliable materials, and is preferably constructed of a corrugated cardboard, and may further be flute type cardboard of variable thickness. In FIG. 1, cuts in the blank 100 are shown as solid lines, and scores in the blank 100 are shown as dotted lines.

[0016] The blank 100 is shown from a perspective illustrating the upper surface 104 of the bottom panel 102. Bottom panel 102 is the lowermost panel when the display tray 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is assembled from the blank 100. The blank 100 further includes front panels 106 a-b, rear panels 108 a-b, and side panels 110 a-d, 112 a-d. The side panels 110 b-c, 112 b-c include a series of cut out slots 114 having a curvilinear portion 114 a, which ultimately serves to provide improved product engagement, as will be understood with reference to the finished display tray 200 described below.

[0017] To assemble the display tray, the front 106 a-b, rear 108 a-b, and side panels 110 a-d, 112 a-d are raised by bending the panels upward at the seam provided by the score line that borders bottom panel 102 and panels 106 a, 108 a 110 a and 112 a. At this stage, each of panels 106 a-b, 108 a-b, 110 a-d and 112 a-d will be in a vertical position and perpendicular to the bottom surface 104. The assembly joint 116 will be folded at the score line 122 between joint panels 116 a and 116 b, and the assembly joint will thus reside within the perimeter of the rectangle formed by the raised panels 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, and 112 a. Preferably, an adhesive is placed on the under surface of the assembly joint panels 116 a, 116 b so that the two portions will adhere together upon assembly.

[0018] At this point, the assembly joints 116 are folded toward vertically raised panels 106 a, 108 a to be flush against the panels 108 a, 106 a. The panel 108 b is then folded inward along the score line 123 between the panels 108 a, 108 b such that the panel 108 b covers the assembly joints 116 and disposes them between panels 108 a and 108 b. Similarly, panel 106 b is folded inward along the similar score line 123 between the panels 106 a, 106 b to cover the assembly joints 116 and dispose them between panels 106 a and 106 b.

[0019] Next, side panels 110 a-d are folded along multiple score lines to complete the assembly such that panel 110 a remains vertical and becomes the outermost panel, panel 110 b becomes a horizontal upper panel portion, panel 110 c becomes a vertical inner panel, and panel 110 d becomes a horizontal lower panel, where horizontal and vertical are described relative to the bottom surface 104 being disposed at a horizontal and at a lowermost position. More specifically, during assembly the side panel 110 a remains vertical, panel 110 b is folded inward to become substantially perpendicular to panel 110 a, and portions 110 d and 110 c are folded inward such that portion 110 c is vertical, and 110 d is folded inward and thereby made horizontal. Panel 110 d is thus flush with the bottom surface 104, along the seam between portion 110 a and bottom surface 104.

[0020] Finally, side panels 112 a-d are folded along multiple score lines to complete the assembly such that panel 112 a remains vertical and becomes the outermost panel, panel 112 b becomes a horizontal upper panel portion, panel 112 c becomes a vertical inner panel, and panel 112 d becomes a horizontal lower panel, where horizontal and vertical are described relative to the bottom surface 104 being disposed at a horizontal and at a lowermost position.

[0021] More specifically, during assembly the side panel 112 a remains vertical by being folded along score line 124. Panel 112 b is then folded inward along score line 125 to become substantially perpendicular to panel 112 a. Panel 112 c is folded downward along score line 126 such that panel 112 c is vertical. Then, panel 112 d is folded inward along score line 127 and thereby made horizontal. Panel 112 d is thus flush with the bottom surface 104, along the seam between portion 112 a and bottom surface 104.

[0022] The horizontal panels 110 d, 112 d include protrusions 118 at lateral ends of panels 110 d, 112 d that respectively mate with cuts 120 in the lower lateral portions of the front and rear end panels 106 b, 108 b. The cuts 120 are dimensioned to match the dimensions of the protrusions 118 to provide improved structural integrity of the finished display tray by fitting around the protrusions 118 of the horizontal panels 110 d, 112 d.

[0023] Further, when the display tray 200 is assembled, panels 106 b, 108 b are disposed atop protrusions 118 to hold panels 110 d, 112 d flush with the bottom surface 104. Additionally, the assembled side panels 110 c, 112 c further compress the front and rear panels 106 b, 10 b of the front and rear panels against the assembly joints 116, to further improve the structural integrity of the finished display tray 200.

[0024] The assembly joints 116 have an arcuate outer edge so that the front and rear panels 106 b, 108 b can be folded along the score lines between panels 106 a and 106 b, and between 108 a and 108 b, without interference by the assembly joints along the points defining the score lines. Although it is preferred to include the panels 106 b, 108 b, an alternative design omits these portions.

[0025] Cuts 120 are provided along the lower portions of side panels 110 a, 112 a. The cuts 120 provide slots 222 in the assembly tray 200 that are receptacles for tabs 302 in complementary locations along the sides of a shipper box 300, described later. The slots 222 may also receive tabs 216 shown in FIG. 2 from an adjacent tray 200 to prevent adjacent trays from sliding apart from each other.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a display tray 200 assembled from the previously described blank 100 is shown. As is clear from the illustration, the assembled display tray includes a series of slots 214, each having a straight side 214 a and a curvilinear side 214 b. Additionally, the side slots 222 created from cuts 120 are shown. The curvilinear side 214 b of slots 214 provides improved functionality, as the product can be wedged in the slots 214 and is thus better engaged with the tray 200. Specifically, the edges of the product clamshell covers 218 are generally fairly sharp. The half straight, half curvilinear slot guides the sharp edges into a more fixed location. In contrast, a slot with two straight edge sides would allow more play regarding the resting position of the edge, which would cause misalignment in the display plane of the product, and possible damage to the edges of the clamshell covers 218.

[0027] As set forth above, the cuts 120 provide slots 222 in the assembly tray 200 that are receptacles for tabs 302 in complementary locations along the sides of a shipper box 300. Preferably, the tabs 302 reside along the bottom edges 306 of the shipper box 300. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b, the top 304 of the shipper box 300 may be assembled and taped before shipping, such that the shipper box 300 is easily placed on the display tray 200 to ultimately provide a finished shipping box assembly.

[0028] Specifically, the shipper box 300 is placed onto the display tray 200, having products 218 already stored within the tray 200. Then, the tabs 302 are inserted into the slots 222 on opposing sides of the display tray 200. As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3 b, pieces of shipping tape 306 are preferably placed over the tab 302/slot 222 mating area, to secure the display tray 200 to the shipper box 300. The shipper box 300 has an inner periphery sized to surround the vertical panels 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, 112 a of the display tray 200 upon assembly. Particularly, only the bottom surface 104 b of the display tray 100 is exposed in the finished shipping assembly 400. Thus, the vertical panels 106 a, 108 a, 110 a, 112 a which will ultimately be on display at the point of sale will reside within the shipper box 300 during shipment. This prevents damage to all areas of the display case 200 that will be exposed during display at the point of sale.

[0029] The shipping assembly 400 that is received at the point of sale is easily converted to a display form. To reveal a display tray 200 having a product 118 ready for display, all that a worker at the point of sale must do is place the box right side up, cut the tape 306 over the tab 302/slot 222 mating area, and lift the shipper box 300. This unique display tray 200, shipper box 300, and resultant shipping assembly 400 provides an improved capability for moving products 118 from a factory or distribution area to shelves at a point of sale, and provides a vehicle for allowing the manufacturer or shipper to have more control over a product's display conditions.

[0030] Of course, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any of the exact constructions that have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. Although the invention is described in connection with the storage and display of products stored in clamshells, it is understood that other product storage units such as blister packs may also be stored and displayed. Additionally, various products may be stored and displayed by the display tray described in connection with this invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention only be limited by the appended claims.

[0031] The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe the invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

[0032] The preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application. The preceding description is intended to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shipping and display assembly, which comprises: a display tray, comprising: a first pair of opposed side panels, each panel of which includes outer substantially vertical panels, a first substantially horizontal panel, joining said outer vertical panels, and having an exterior surface, holding slots for holding displayed items, and securing slots; and a box, complising securing tabs that mate with said securing slots, wherein said exterior surface of said first substantially horizontal panel is an enclosing surface of said shipping and display assembly when said tabs and said securing slots are mated.
 2. A shipping and display assembly according to claim 1, wherein said holding slots include a linear edge and an adjacent curvilinear edge, which together form a wedge for securing said displayed items.
 3. A shipping and display assembly according to claim 2, wherein said wedge formed by the meeting of said linear edge and said curvilinear edge is formed in a second substantially horizontal panel, which is disposed atop said outer vertical panels.
 4. A shipping and display assembly according to claim 1, wherein said display tray further comprises: a second pair of opposed panels, each of which includes an outer substantially vertical panel; and joint panels that connect said substantially vertical panel of each of said second pair of opposed panels with said outer substantially vertical panel of said first pair of opposed panels.
 5. A shipping and display assembly according to claim 4, wherein said joint panels are folded against said second pair of opposed panels.
 6. A shipping and display assembly according to claim 4, wherein each panel of said second pair of opposed panels further includes an inner substantially vertical panel that is connected to said outer substantially vertical panel, and folded over said joint panels.
 7. A display tray according to claim 6, wherein said joint panels have an arcuate outer edge that prevents contact between said joint panels and a folding point between said inner and outer substantially vertical panels of said second pair of opposed panels.
 8. A display panel according to claim 6, wherein each panel of said first pair of opposed panels further includes a third substantially horizontal panel, that is connected to a lower portion of an inner panel that is connected to said outer panel by a second substantially horizontal panel which is disposed atop said outer vertical panels, and that includes lateral protrusions.
 9. A display tray according to claim 8, wherein each of said second substantially vertical panels of said inner substantially vertical panel of each of said second pair of opposed panels includes cuts at lower lateral portions thereof, said cuts having dimensions of said lateral protrusions. 